Pre-Commissioning Unit Anchorage (LPD 23) moored pierside in Manzanillo, Mexico, Nov. 14 on her first liberty port call.
Anchorage is currently on her maiden voyage transiting to her future homeport in San Diego. The ship departed the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Shipbuilding site in Avondale, La. Oct. 30.
“The city is beautiful, and it will definitely open my eyes on my family’s upbringing and heritage,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Tracy Sierra , who was raised in the U.S.-Mexico border city of El Paso, Texas. “ The advantage of making a port visit like this when you’re in the Navy is you really get the best of both worlds. I represent my country in uniform and explore my family’s history when I’m not. These are the kinds of moments I look forward to as a surface Sailor.”
Capt. Brian Quin , Anchorage’s commanding officer, said the stop in Mexico gives the crew an opportunity to have fun after working hard for several months to take custody of Anchorage and sail her safely to San Diego.
“The crew has impressed me with their drive and attention to detail,” said Quin. “A port visit where crewmembers can relax, explore, learn and have fun is one of the few ways to say thank you. We still have a few more miles to travel on this road to get Anchorage to the fleet, but the crew has already proven they are up to the task.”
After Manzanillo, Anchorage will complete the final leg of her transit to San Diego where a homecoming ceremony will welcome back the Sailors and Marines assigned to the ship, most of whom have been away from home for more than seven months.
Anchorage is the seventh San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. She was built at the Ingalls Shipbuilding site in Avondale, La. and delivered to the U.S. Navy Sept. 17. The ship will be commissioned in May in her namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska and is the second ship to be named for the city.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and is responsible for providing realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff,November 16, 2012